State Position to Be Filled without a Job Posting or Search

Questions are emerging about the Iowa Board of Regents’ decision to create a new $205,000-a-year “Chief Efficiency Officer” position and fill it without a public search while the board’s Revenue Enhancement and Productivity Study (REAPS) is still in its early stages.

Supporters argue this approach creates urgency and accountability, while critics contend it risks predetermining outcomes before evidence is gathered.

Selected without a required public posting or competitive search

The Regents are expected to appoint Jacob Nicholson, Governor Kim Reynolds’ current chief operating officer, to the newly created position next week. According to Board of Regents officials, Nicholson was selected without a public posting or competitive search because board leadership wanted to capitalize on his experience reorganizing state government operations.

The position was created as part of the REAPS initiative, which was launched in December to identify new revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies across Iowa’s three public universities.

Following a pattern of failure?

The REAPS initiative seems to follow a broader trend seen in recent government efficiency efforts, including Iowa’s own DOGE-style reviews and similar efforts nationally. Such initiatives often begin with predetermined savings targets and organizational restructuring before detailed reviews are completed.

The timing of Nicholson’s hiring has prompted questions.

Arbitrary “savings” targets

The Regents have established a preliminary savings target of $35 million over three years and recently sought proposals from consultants to conduct a comprehensive review of university operations. Those consultant proposals were due June 5, and recommendations are not expected until February 2027.

Critics may reasonably ask how the board determined it needed a permanent chief efficiency officer before the review has been completed and before specific recommendations have been identified.

The Regents emphasized that REAPS is intended to improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and identify new revenue opportunities while maintaining strong educational outcomes.

Supporters may view Nicholson’s appointment as an effort to ensure experienced leadership is in place before recommendations begin to emerge.

Others may see the sequence differently. The appointment also raises broader questions about governance and decision-making that have surfaced repeatedly in recent years.

Announce, structure, and appoint before analysis or implantation plan

Whether involving the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the establishment of Iowa’s new Center for Intellectual Freedom and Academic Responsibility, or other major policy initiatives, critics have argued that state leaders increasingly appear to announce objectives, create organizational structures, and appoint leadership before the underlying analysis or implementation details are fully developed.

Supporters contend that strong leadership requires setting direction first and building systems to achieve those goals.

Increased and ongoing scrutiny

Regardless of one’s view, the REAPS initiative will likely receive increased scrutiny as the process unfolds and Iowans gain a clearer understanding of what efficiencies, savings, or structural changes are ultimately recommended.

For now, one question remains unresolved. If the purpose of REAPS is to determine what changes should be made, how did the Regents already know they needed a permanent chief efficiency officer to implement them?